Medals, Ribbons, Orders and Decorations: SA National Defence Force

The origin of orders can be traced back as
far as the year 1098, introduced by the Roman
Catholic church. Some ancient military orders
known are that of the Knights Templar (1118) and
the Order of St John (1113).

During the early years of the Cape of Good Hope
a variety of orders, decorations and medals were
seen. During the Anglo Boer War (1899 to 1902)
the Zuid-Afrikanche Republiek and Oranje
Vrijstaat had no war medals of their own. In
1920 Britain introduced a campaign medal (Boere-Oorlog-Medalje)
and a merit medal (Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst).

During the period of the Union of South Africa
(1920 to 1961), South Africans were awarded
British orders.

From 6 April 1952 the South African
governor-general could institute South African
decoration and medals with British consent. With
the establishment of the RSA on 31 May 1961, the
State President of SA had full jurisdiction to
institute and awards honours. Only the president
can institute awards.

The SA system of honours is based on the British
system orders, decorations, medals and
commendations. This system has been slightly
adapted to suit the indigenous South African
culture. From 27 April 1994 the need to replace
in favour of a system that will reflect the
newly transformed SANDF. Hence a totally new
award series was designed to be in line with the
one force concept.